OUR VIEW: Cheers and jeers

Thursday

Jul 3, 2014 at 1:26 PMJul 3, 2014 at 1:26 PM

A CHEER ... to all the local farmers who are working so hard to bring wonderful, healthy food to our tables. Thank you for all that you do.

A CHEER ... to the residents of the Honeoye area who gathered together Saturday, June 28 to raise money for Tom Gendreau and Laurie White. Tom suffered a stroke about two months ago and has a long way to go on his road to recovery. Friends and family enjoyed a great day at Eddy's on East Lake Road to help Tom and Laurie meet all the extra expenses they are dealing with now.

A JEER … to the white male in his mid 20s, wearing tan shorts and driving a silver, four-door, Honda Civic with yellow license plates, who allegedly abandoned a 9- to 10-year-old black Labrador at Burger King in Canandaigua last Sunday morning. One hopes this gentleman will have the sense to abstain from future pet ownership. But in the meantime, any information regarding the suspected abuse or neglect of an animal is encouraged to run, not walk, to the nearest phone and call the Ontario County Humane Society at (585) 396-4590.

A JEER … to Canandaigua city officials who decline to comment on why or for how long City Manager David Forrest has been absent from his office and from committee meetings. Former assistant city manager Brian White's position has been vacant since his departure in May. Public Works Manager James Sprague is acting city manager in Forrest's absence, but officials say only that Forrest is out for "a personnel issue." Multiple city staff members also said they did not know when he would return. It is unknown whether Forrest is being paid in his absence.

A CHEER ... to local heroes Stacy DeJaeger, Troy Bennett and Andrew Colf, who sprang into action on Thursday, June 24, to rescue four boaters stranded in the water off Canandaigua City Pier. DeJaeger spotted two adult females and two small girls, ages 2 and 3, who were struggling to stay afloat in choppy waters after their canoe capsized. Bennett and Colf, without regard for their own safety, swam out to save them. The four boaters were taken to Thompson Hospital by Canandaigua Ambulance for evaluation and were later released.

A CHEER ... to all the road crew workers who have to stand and work on the hot pavement. As much as you may dislike being delayed, remember they are not in an air-conditioned car AND they are making the roads better for us all.

A CHEER ... to the staff (paid and volunteer) who take time during the summer to work at the town recreation programs, special library summer reading events and vacation Bible schools. Thank you for giving children fun activities during the summer break.

A CHEER … to the tenacity of the U.S. soccer team. Sure, the Belgium team had a big talent edge, but it’s amazing what a never-say-die attitude can do. After going scoreless with the strong Belgians in regulation time, the team could have folded when their opponents struck twice in extra time. Instead, they came back with a goal of their own and nearly put another one in the net before time expired.With soccer talent being developed in the youth ranks, it may not be that many more years before the U.S. breaks through into the world’s elite. Either way, the grit will never quit. It’s not our way.